Rebels Roll in MLK Classic

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Clark, Alexander lead balanced Butler attack

January 19, 2007 - Ronnie Clark scored a season high 16 points and senior post player Diamon Alexander chipped in 14 as second-ranked Butler High School won the first game of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Classic, held at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. The Rebels improved to 19-1 on the season.

After a tight opening quarter, that saw the lead change hands several times, the Rebels held a slim 12-11 advantage at the end of the first stanza.

Their opponent, Hazel Green High School, featured the stellar backcourt combo of Vanderbilt signee Keegan Bell and uncommitted senior guard De Hereford, which has combined to produce a surprising 15-6 record on the season. The Trojans’ attack is predicated on motion and perimeter shooting; if those shots aren’t falling, they struggle because of a lack of size on the interior.

De Hereford scored 14 points, despite limited touches.

Butler features a balanced attack, running out four guards and the 6’6 Alexander. The Rebels depth in the backcourt allows them to throw a myriad of bodies at you relentlessly to wear you down.

“I tried to use my total game. Score a little inside, but also take the big guys off the dribble once I faced up as well”, said Alexander, who’s getting looks from schools like Arkansas-Little Rock, Murray State, Alabama A&M and East Carolina.

Hereford’s three-pointer briefly gave the Trojans a 16-15 lead, but that trey-ball seemed to inspire the Rebels and sparked a 9-0 run capped by Alexander’s follow of a Ralph Eason missed lay up, giving his team a 24-16 lead with three minutes to play in the half. The Rebels led 29-20 at the half.

Bell, who had 15 points, struggled somewhat shooting the rock in the first half when he looked for his shot, as he was harassed into difficult shots by the Butler guards and wasn’t allowed to penetrate at his leisure.

Meanwhile, the Rebels came out rolling and maintained control thanks to the high-flying acrobatics of Ralph Eason and a full court pressing and trapping defense that stymied the Trojans all afternoon.

Butler began to pull away on the long shoulders of Alexander and the shooting prowess of Clark and defeated Hazel Green 70-54.

Senior forward Diamon Alexander has East Carolina and Murray State High on his list.

Jermerious Chandler and Ralph Eason chipped in 12 points a piece for the victors, while Hereford scored 14 in a losing effort.

Other Games:

Huntsville 39, Vestavia Hills 36: The Panthers turned to their three seniors in the final minutes for a comeback win.

Madison Academy 66, Decatur Heritage 41: The 3A, fourth-ranked Mustangs won their eighth straight since falling to 6A Austin in The Huntsville Times Classic